Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has expressed his delight at seeing Bukayo Saka “adding leadership to his long list of qualities”.
The Gunners midfielder believes Saka would be similar to him as a captain, in that both lead by example through actions rather than shouting.
Odegaard became the youngest Arsenal captain since Cesc Fabregas when he took the armband last year as a 23-year-old.
This was a great decision from Mikel Arteta as the Norway international has helped the Gunners move up a level.
Odegaard has missed out on the last few games, so other Arsenal players have taken the armband in his absence.
For instance, Saka was captain for the Gunners’ 5-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United at the end of October.
‘He deserves it’
Ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Burnley at the Emirates Stadium, Odegaard spoke to the Gunners media team about the 22-year-old’s developing leadership qualities.
“Bukayo took the armband for that game – the first time he’s been Arsenal captain I think – and we can all see that he is adding leadership to his long list of qualities,” the 24-year-old told the Gunners website.
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“I’ve seen it for a while to be honest, I’m not surprised he’s developing like this. I’m really happy for him, because he deserves it.
“I think he’s a bit like me in that he’s not the one who shouts the most, or the loudest one in the dressing room.
“But he’s so intelligent, he’s always available, he gives everything for the team and he’s taking more and more responsibility on and off the pitch.
“He really deserves to be there as one of the captains, I’m proud of him and happy to have him as a teammate, because he’s a great player and also a great person.”
Saka has what it takes to become Arsenal legend – TBR View
For years now, the plaudits have been coming in thick and fast for Saka, who is already a superstar and is still nowhere near his prime.
It’s great to hear Odegaard – a prodigious player in terms of talent and leadership as captain of club and country – give such an emphatic seal of approval to Saka.
It will be great to see how Saka continues to develop as a player and as an individual – and perhaps even as a permanent captain in years to come.
He has what it takes to become an Arsenal legend in the style of Thierry Henry, for real.